Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Town clerk Retha Hicks used the conservative figure of $88 million to figure the tax rate and budgets for Winona Lake for 2002. Last year the town's assessed valuation was $282 million, Hicks said Tuesday in a report to the town council.
Using the "new math" recommended by the State Board of Accounts, Hicks divided $282 million by three to arrive at her figure and subtracted a few million just to be safe.
When she met with the state accountants they gave her a final figure of $81 million (or $243 million to compare with last year's figures).
The tax rate was set at 99 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, compared to last year's rate of ($2.61 divided by three) 87 cents. The town's maximum levy is $1.14.
Hicks said $100,000 in additional appropriations will have to be removed from the budget along with a reduction in the MBH cash balance.
Town coordinator Craig Allebach reported on meetings with Warsaw officials regarding the new wastewater treatment facility. Residential rates will most likely be raised from $31 per month to $34.
Winona Lake's contribution will be $1.157 million, with $600,000 to be paid in a lump sum.
Allebach said the town has looked into alternatives, including building their own facility. However, the cost was prohibitive.
Smoke tests revealed breaches in several sewage lines, Allebach said. These will be repaired so storm water won't go to Warsaw.
Mike Cox was accepted as the Winona Lake fire chief, as recommended by the advisory board. He replaces Kip Shuter.
Town council members are Jeff Carroll, president, David Delp, Craig Snow, Rolly Ortega and Jerry Clevenger.
